Dialogue Possible in Islamabad as Iran Awaits Response
Talks may begin next week in Islamabad to ease tensions between the United States and Iran, potentially paving the way for formal negotiations. Iran has made it clear that it will not make any agreements regarding its nuclear program and highly enriched uranium. China’s crude oil imports have decreased by 20 percent in April, reflecting the impact of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Kathmandu, 26 Baisakh. There is potential for renewed talks between the U.S. and Iran next week in Pakistan’s capital, Islamabad, aimed at reducing tensions. According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, mediators from both countries are working on a draft understanding that could open the door for formal negotiations lasting about a month. The proposed 14-point draft reportedly covers Iran’s nuclear program, reducing tensions in the Hormuz Strait, and the transfer of highly enriched uranium to a third country. U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed hope for a prompt response from Iran; he noted that if talks progress, the ceasefire could be extended.
Al Jazeera reported that Iran has clearly stated it will not agree to any deals concerning its nuclear program or its highly enriched uranium. The first round of talks between Iran and the U.S., mediated by Pakistan, took place in Islamabad on April 11 and 12 but did not succeed despite lasting 21 hours. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi arrived in Islamabad on April 24 for the second round of talks. However, President Trump canceled the planned visit of his envoys Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner to Pakistan.
Muhannad Saloum, an international politics expert at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, stated that Iran is no longer willing to return to the previous status quo with the U.S. Tehran seeks additional concessions from America before any agreement. According to Saloum, the U.S. first pursued a diplomatic approach, then moved toward military action, and is now trying to return to talks. He said, “The U.S. wants to convert its military success into diplomatic success, but Iran is attempting to prevent that.”
Meanwhile, Iran is exploring a diplomatic path but does not want to revert to the old situation without new benefits. What role does China play? The conflict between the U.S. and Israel against Iran has also affected China’s economic and strategic interests. Assistant Professor Muhannad Saloum of the Doha Institute explained that China has not provided direct military support to Iran in this conflict.
The U.S. cannot sustain this war for long as it risks serious damage to the region’s oil, gas, and maritime resources, with negative repercussions on the global economy. Initially, the U.S. and Israel aimed to weaken Iran’s military and political leadership. It was believed that following major airstrikes, the Iranian government would collapse and a U.S.-friendly administration would be installed in Tehran. President Trump hoped to replicate his success in Venezuela by creating a similar situation in Iran.
Despite U.S. sanctions, Iran is intensifying efforts to sell oil to China. According to Hamid Reza Golamzadeh, director of Tehran-based think tank Diplohouse, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has been engaging in diplomatic talks with foreign ministers of various countries to present Iran’s position.
China’s 20 percent decline in crude oil imports signals that the Iran–U.S. conflict is starting to impact China’s energy supply. In April, tensions in the Strait of Hormuz hindered the movement of oil tankers. According to Chinese customs data, China imported 38.5 million metric tons of crude oil in April, a 20 percent drop compared to last year and the lowest since July 2022.
(With contributions from agency and international news sources)